ALBANY, N.Y. (Sept. 6, 2018) — Turning off a light, refilling your own water bottle, taking the stairs — the small steps we take every day to save resources and reduce energy usage that really add up.

How much? Last year during the Office of Sustainability’s annual Energy Campaign, the campus community reduced its carbon emissions by 247 tons. That’s the annual equivalent of taking 106 cars off the road, the carbon sequestered by 584 acres of U.S. forests or offsetting the carbon emissions produced by 13 people.

This year’s Energy Campaign, the 12th annual, kicks off this week. The goal is to work together during the 10-week challenge to reduce electricity consumption by 10 percent.

How can you help? If you work near a window, try working by natural light. Turn off the lights when you leave a room. Turn your computer off or to sleep mode when it’s not in use, and switch off the power-hungry screen saver. Share printers, and turn them off after hours.

And while the entire University community works together during the Energy Campaign, there’s also a little completion. Living residences compete against each other, and the academic and administrative buildings compete to see which can reduce energy the most.

The Office of sustainability is sharing resource saving tips. Tip #1: Take back the tap! Fill up a Brita pitcher instead of purchasing bottled water.

Each location’s electricity consumption will be calculated and the standings announced throughout the next 10 weeks. The percentage change is based on the amount of electricity that was used in that building the year prior to its inclusion in the campaign.

This year the Office of Sustainability is adding water conservation to the campaign and will be tracking water usage and providing conservation tips.

There will be new themes every two weeks, and the first is "Pledge to Conserve." UAlbany Green Scene members will be tabling on campus and visiting offices seeking pledges to conserve energy.

During the campaign, you can share examples of your energy savings routines on social media for a chance to win a prize. Tag a photo of yourself participating in "Take The Stairs Tuesday" on Facebook or Twitter (@UAlbanyGreenScn) with the hashtag #UAlbanyEnergy and #TakeTheStairsTuesday, to be entered to win a $20 UAS gift card.